Pfizer partners with interactive-technology firm to help boost health outcomes

Pfizer Inc. said today that it is teaming up with San Francisco-based interactive-technology firm Keas Inc. to introduce an online prevention and wellness program.

Pfizer, which has major research-and-development sites in Groton and New London, said the idea is for consumers to adopt personalized online "care plans" to take charge of their own health.

Some of the care plans are being authored by Pfizer itself, according to Keas spokeswoman Mara Brazer. The New York-based company is the only pharmaceutical firm to compose plans so far, Pfizer confirmed, though others might join down the road.

"By combining the recommendation of an individual’s physician with a personalized, expert-developed care plan to support day-to-day health decisions, we believe patients will potentially experience improved health outcomes," said Olivier Brandicourt, president and general manager of Pfizer’s primary care business unit, in a statement.

The care-plan Web site at www.keas.com, which has been going through beta testing since October, already has more than 10,000 members, Brazer said. Users currently can enter the site for free, but there will be small charges for individualized care plans in the future, she added.